Yahoo News Gareth Southgate accused of Ollie Watkins mistake in Harry Kane rant
Gabby Agbonlahor says England were 'crying out for' Ollie Watkins' introduction as the team's performance during their opening Euro 2024 victory over Serbia caused a stir.
The Three Lions couldn't have asked for better start in Group C as Jude Bellingham's first-half header resulted in a 1-0 win in Gelsenkirchen. Paired with Slovenia and Denmark's stalemate in the group's other match, it leaves Gareth Southgate and Co in prime position to qualify for the knockout stages.
But the national team manager has come under heavy fire for the way England played against an opponent sat 29 places lower on FIFA's current world rankings. For 35 minutes it was utter dominance, then after that control was relinquished and at times England were holding on.
READ MORE: Jhon Duran update as Chelsea face major decision from new Aston Villa transfer talks
READ MORE: Ronaldinho aims dig at Douglas Luiz in astonishing Brazil rant
"We were watching the game saying 'you can make a sub when you're winning'. Top managers make subs when you're winning - don't wait until the opposition score, then you panic and say '[Anthony] Gordon, Watkins, get ready, come on'," was the point raised later on by former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor whilst on talkSPORT.
On the night Southgate only turned to the bench three times - first to swap Trent Alexander-Arnold for Villa transfer target Conor Gallagher, then late on introduced Jarrod Bowen and Kobbie Mainoo for Bukayo Saka and Bellingham.
"It wasn't working. [Phil] Foden wasn't performing, at 55 minutes don't be scared," he continued. "Yes, he got [Premier League] Player of the Season, but it doesn't matter, this is England and we've got so many good players. 'Gordon, on you go, start running at pace at these full-backs'."
Agbonlahor finally outlined his frustration with the England boss' failure to turn to Villa's No.11, believing he was what the team needed. On the back of a small injury trouble at the end of the season, starting striker and captain Harry Kane managed only two touches of the ball in the entire opening 45 minutes.
His rant continued: "Also Kane - can he not be subbed? It was crying out for someone to run in behind, Watkins or Toney, but especially Watkins with his pace. Get him on the field. Harry Kane not 100 percent fit, doesn't have to play every minute of every game.
"He has to make these changes earlier on."
As well as Watkins, looking on unused from the bench was Ezri Konsa. He was evidently lower down the pecking order than starting defenders Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier.
On the back of Sunday's tournament opener, Southgate will have some big decisions to mull over regarding his starting line-up - whether to persist or to hand out opportunities to the Villa duo and other talents in the squad. England next play against Denmark on Thursday in Frankfurt before their final group fixture takes them to Cologne to face Slovenia.
